Spy Magic

*Her mother's still alive, too*

The sky was barely gray by the time Jasmine woke up. She pushed herself up from the seat, savouring the lingering heat from Kaidrec's touch. She hadn't been held in so long, not carefully, at least.

Jasmine rubbed sleep out of her eyes and used her magic to find him. He was asleep a few meters away, guarded by a handful of forest animals. She put her cloak on and went outside.

She crept around the driver, glad there were spells in place to keep noise within a few feet of the coach. She lightly touched the horses, sensing that Kaidrec had already visited them. Jasmine wished she could reach into their minds, but her powers only went as far as animals understanding her words. Her father had been more powerful, but she had gotten most of her power from her mother.

A low growl stopped her as she entered the forest.

"Hush," Jasmine whispered to the raccoon by Kaidrec's hand.

Kaidrec stirred, sleepily opening his eyes. "Jasmine?"

"Yes," she pushed her hood back and sat next to him. "I wanted to make sure you were alright." After a few moments of silence she added, "I'm alone."

He looked at his hand, buried in the raccoon's fur. "You-- know, don't you? About my parents."

She nodded. "I guessed a long time ago. When you came to the castle I sensed your Fenrai blood, and, there are very few reasons for somebody to hide their past."

"Is that why you had been watching me?" he asked hesitantly.

"I stopped watching you for that reason a long time ago," Jasmine said softly. "After, your powers kept me interested." Sensing his tension, she put her hand on his. "I never told anybody."

Kaidrec looked at her. "Why didn't you tell me you knew before? And why did you recommend me for this mission, if you did know?"

She looked away. "I couldn't help guessing your past! I never traced you, it just happened! A lump formed in her throat at the pain around him. "And, you were the only one that I knew would be able to do this."

He was silent for long moments. "Even after-- everything?"

Jasmine chuckled, knowing what he was thinking of. "You'll learn quickly enough."

"But, my parents--"

"I have contacts to change your eye colour. That should be enough," she glanced at him. "I said they were for me. Jerr knows I like to have backup."

Kaidrec took her hand. "Thank you. I don't know how you manage to do all of this, but, thank you."

She looked at her hand in his. Never had she gotten so close, so wonderfully close, willingly. "Kaidrec, I-- we won't be able to talk like this, so openly, soon. The closer we get to the boarder, the more--"

He put a finger to her lips, silencing her. "I understand. We'll both have to be careful."

Jasmine nodded and pulled her hand out of his. "We should be getting back. The driver might have woken himself up."

Kaidrec laughed and got up, offering her a hand. "He's still snoring?"

"Yes," she took his hand and stood up. "We shouldn't walk out together."

"Go," he whispered. "I'll just be a few more minutes."

Jasmine nodded in thanks and headed out of the forest. She lightly stroked the horses before going past the still sleeping driver and climbing back into the coach.

I waited until the sound of the coach door closing came to my ears. Crouching down to say farewell to my animal friends, I checked to make sure there were no twigs or leaves in my hair. Surely, if there were, the driver would be suspicious.

Walking back out of the forest, I was stunned to see that the door closing had also woken the driver. He was sitting up and rubbing his beard, obviously contemplating breakfast. It wasn't until the thought of food crossed my mind that I realized I was starving.

"Help," he said, stopping to cough. "Me get these horses untied. No, don't pull the knot that way, pull it towards you. There you go."

"Are we going to eat breakfast now?" I asked, following the driver back to the coach and helping him retie the black mare to the reins.

"May as well, won't be hitting no towns 'till tomorrow," He replied with a hint of exhaustion. Satisfied with my work, he walked back behind the coach to grab some food.

Grinning at the grunts of frustration he made, I climbed back up onto the driver's bench and covered my legs with one of his blankets. I turned my head slightly, looking at Jasmine through the corner of my eye.

She knew me like the back of her hand. Everything about me. She could basically write a book about me and it would be no different than the real me. I still didn't know if trust was available to her. She had told me her history, but I sensed that she wasn't telling me everything.

"Here ya're boy," the driver said, tossing me a wineskin and a loaf of bread. "The lady gets somethin' a little more fancy, just to make sure our little play doesn't turn into a skit."

I narrowed my eyes. This driver obviously loved making people think. Useful, but annoying.

--

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We had tried to stop for boarding in the trading town of Karskick, but everything was full; it was their annual festival of tricks. I had become accustomed to sneaking off into the forest and lying underneath a tree.

Soon we reached the border. For such a major place, there was almost no one in sight. Fenrai was obviously not a chosen destination of travelers or migrators.

The wall that divided Fenrai and Kingdom was massive, too high to scale, the ground covered by massive rocks to prevent digging under. There was only a small portion unfinished, though laborers worked sweatily to finish the wall. The queen hadn't been kidding when she said that the border would be closing.

Two guards approached our caravan, swords drawn and telling us to get out of the coach. Sliding down to stand beside the driver, I waited for Jasmine to come to my side. After all, our cover was that we were a couple.

Placing my arm around her, the guards bought the act and raised their eyebrows.

"What do you wish to do in Fenrai?" A smaller one asked, poking me to make sure I had no hidden weapons.

*I'll leave the conversation between the guards for you *

*Of all the low down, despicable.... *Sigh* you are having way to much fun with this*

Jasmine smiled at the guards. She was glad they had already put their contacts lenses on. "We're here to visit my Aunt and Uncle. They're expecting us."

The guard didn't look at her twice. They didn't expect female spies. "What are their names?"

"Ingrid is my aunt's name, Waric is my uncle's." Jasmine was glad she had contacts in Fenrai. Lord Russel had worked with Ingrid and Waric for years, and never had they betraied the Kingdom.

The other guard waved them through. "Go on."

Jasmine smiled at him. Nobody would be able to tell she was smiling at his inexperience, not in thanks. "Thank you."

"Wait!" A man cried from a few meters away. She could tell by his air he was a mage. She tapped Kaidrec's hand twice, a sign for him to be careful.

He came over and stood in front of the guards. "What are your names? Things are a little-- uptight here. We mustn't let everybody with a gentle smile through."

Jasmine didn't hesitate. "Lady Rose Aloughet."

Kaidrec was also quick on replying. "Sir John Prough."

The mage seemed to be making a mental note of them. "Very well, very well. And Lady Ingrid and Sir Waric are expecting you?"

"Yes," they replied at the same time. Jasmine looked at Kaidrec and smiled, he did the same for her.

"Do you mind waiting a little bit while I contact them?" the mage said smoothly. "It will only take a minute."

She looked up at Kaidrec. "I wouldn't mind, would you?"

"No, we can wait." He replied to the mage, not missing a breath. He had understood the final answer was his.

The mage nodded and vanished into a finished stone tower. A cool wind whipped through, and Kaidrec pulled her tighter against him. Jasmine carefully pulled his cloak around his shoulders, almost covering them both.

"Well?" he whispered, knowing the wind wouldn't let the guards hear them.

She looked up and smiled. "They'll let us through. Lady Ingrid knows us in Fenrai." She brushed his bangs away from his newly-green eyes. He was almost unrecognizable with them.

Kaidrec pulled his hood up as the wind increased. "How did you manage that with the wall?"

"Tunnels go under the boarder. They have for years. And they're far enough on each side that you can't see the enternces from here." Jasmine was glad he didn't look up. He just kept looking at her.

"Why didn't we use them?"

She raised an eyebrow. "We wouldn't be able to get into the castle otherwise."

He blushed and looked away. "I should have known that."

Jasmine chuckled and leaned her head against his chest. "You'll learn."

The mage came out and handed them each a seal. "Lady Ingrid and Sir Waric are expecting you. When you arrive at the castle they will have made the final preperations for your arrival."

"Thank you," Kaidrec said, putting the seal in his pocket. Jasmine nodded in thanks and slipped the seal in her belt purse.

He walked her back to the coach and opened the door for her with a small bow. She touched his cheek and climbed in; he closed the door behind her and went to his seat by the driver. Playing 'couple' was something she did with most partners. Even though it was second nature, she never let herself get comfortable in that role. One step too far, and everything would be lost. The focus, the partnership, even the mission could be hampered if one partner stopped looking over their shoulder and got comfortable. She reminded herself again. Kaidrec was a little too easy to get comfortable around.

The reigns snapped and they started moving through the half-finished gates.

It was a long ride through the huge city that lay just past the unfinished border wall. The sight of the workers haunted me -- how many had come from Kingdom? How many were being closed off from their families?

I was the complete opposite. I was being closed in with my family. Still unsure that choosing to go on this mission rather than have them seek out another candidate, I stuck my hand in the pocket I had put the pass in. Ignoring it completely, I felt for a small rolled piece of paper. Pulling it out and slightly unrolling it, I read the first few lines in my head;

Kaidrec

I know it will be hard to bear losing your father and I, but we cannot risk ourselves by taking you with us. You just aren't enough-

I stopped reading when the driver coughed. Glancing up at him, I quickly rolled the note back up and stuck it back in my pocket. Realizing he had been reading along with me, I shot him a glare. Nodding, he returned his gaze to the market street in front of us.

Hugging myself with my arms, I studied the many market stalls we passed by. Smells of rotting fruits and veggies filled my lungs, causing me to cough. The harsh aroma was soon replaced by the smell of a sweet perfume; the scent of tiger lilies clogging my thoughts.

Searching for the source, I spotted a lighted figure drifting away from me in a nearby alley. Draped in a purple cloak, her perfect gait gave her the appearance that she was flying. Looking back at me, she caught me in the glow of her azure eyes, accented by golden ringlets falling around her face.

The feeling of a hard grip on my shoulder snapped me out of my illusion. Looking back, I gave the driver a small smile and let out a fake cough.

"We're almost there," he said, letting go of my shoulder.

Nodding, I returned to wrapping my cloak around myself to fight back the cold wind that was slapping against me.

Jasmine looked out the window and frowned. Kaidrec's attention had been caught by a young woman holding a basket full of tiger lilies. Jasmine ran her fingers through her hair. The woman looked a little older then her, and Jasmine swore she saw something familiar in those tropical eyes.

She reached deep into her memories, fighting the pain of her family's death. Jasmine had gotten her chocolate brown hair from her father, but her blue eyes could only be her mother's. Their were only a handful of women in Fenrai with such eyes, and her mother had some of the bluest.

Jasmine tugged at a faint memory, one almost lost in the torment of the ambush. Her father had once told her about a time, right after her older brother's birth, when her mother had gone on a mission for over a year. Just when all hope was lost she'd return, her mother had re-appeared, but changed. Jasmine never remembered her mother saying "I love you," nor did she experience any of the happy scenes her oldest brother said had been abundant before she had left....

"No," Jasmine whispered, looking back to the alley. The figure was still there, tossing flowers to whichever male happened to catch her eye, always looking back towards the coach. That gait, those flirtatious glances, those eyes... Jasmine hadn't thought it possible, but her mother's treachery was now clear. She had thought all her half-siblings were younger, but standing right in front of her, was an older half-sister.

Jasmine pulled away from the window, stunned. Did this woman have gem-speaking, like she did? She touched the gem at her throat by habit and gasped. Her sapphire was the hottest it had ever been. She looked back at Kaidrec; he was still glancing back at the woman, captivated. Jasmine remembered her mother's ability to entrance men, something she had slightly inherited. She pulled her mother's name out of her memory; she had buried it to avoid the pain. Rachel-- Rachel the Tigress. It would only make sense her daughter would have tiger lilies. Jasmine dug her nails into the seat. Rachel was still alive, and had trained her daughter well. No man had resisted a flower tossed in his direction. Jasmine sneered and tapped into the deepest abilities of her magic. Their was a potion in the air, targeted to men, mixed in with the scent of lilies.

She glanced back at Kaidrec as they entered the castle gates. Jasmine could tell he was completely entranced. Quickly she took a small pot of salve and rubbed some on her lips and hands. The salve itself vanished quickly, but the antidote to the potion wouldn't.

Kaidrec jumped down from his seat and opened the door for her. She climbed down, putting her hand in his. He tightened his grip, a sign the antidote was working.

"I'm sorry you had to spend so much time in the cold, dear," she purred, stroking his cheek. "I'll make it up to you."

"Jasmine, what are you doing?" he hissed, pulling away.

She put her hand behind his neck. "Saving you." Before he could protest farther she kissed him, waiting until his hands were on her waist before pulling away. "Warm enough now?"

"I was warm enough before," he grumbled. Jasmine reached deep into her magic again. The trance was broken, for now at least. She ignored the servant's stares at their kiss.

"Darlings, welcome!" a woman's voice chimed.

Jasmine pulled away and waved to Ingrid. "Aunty Ingrid! Uncle Waric!" she went up to them and hugged both. "This is my-- friend, John."

Ingrid raised an eyebrow. "I see that. Come on, you two, I'm sure you're tired of traveling. You're rooms are all ready for you. Servants will take your packs to your rooms, and your driver will find lodgings somewhere," quietly she added, "I'd like to see you before dinner, if you please."

Kaidrec came up. "The rooms, are they separate?"

"Yes," Waric said with a wink. "You'll see."

With that, they headed into the castle.

*Note- the rooms are next to each other, with a secret passage between the two.*

*Just to let you know, Kaidrec is a little peeved with Jasmine, and is therefore avoiding her and doesn't really talk to her unless he has to for the time being. Something also seems to be bugging him, but he refuses to tell anyone.*

Following Ingrid and Waric into the castle through a small door not far from where we had unloaded the coach, I placed myself at the head of the group, away from Jasmine.

Ingrid and Waric conversed between themselves quietly, walking at a brisk pace through the maze of hallways. I couldn't wait to find my room, and just be by myself. Fenrai was not my chosen vacation spotlight, not in the least. Yet I was here, through my own free will. I certainly was crazy.

The memories of that woman clogged my mind as we walked through the castle. Her beauty was outstanding, she was one in a million. A crisp, tingling feeling rose in my stomach. rubbing my face to fake fatigue, I desperately hoped no one noticed the red of my cheeks. If I was to fall in love during my visit, nobody would know. Or have any say, for that matter.

My mind soon returned to Waric. What had he meant by 'you'll see'? Hopefully he didn't mean that a small wooden door interlocked the two rooms; I needed my room to be all alone. There were things I had brought with me that people were never to see.

"When we heard of your expedition we made sure that the castle staff here outfitted both of your rooms with only the most exquisite," Ingrid said, turning to look at me. "Hopefully you shall find your suites much like yours back home. If you have any comfort issues, we will have maids walking your circuit of hall at all times during the day, just to make sure you are firmly satisfied."

I raised my eyebrows. They couldn't make my suite much like mine back in Kingdom. Unless, of course, it was filled to the rim with exotic species of birds I had never seen nor heard of before. That would be a first. Looking back at Jasmine, she wore a smirk. Obviously we needed such exquisites for our mission, if we ever intended to make it to the top of the spy ring.

Another question formed in my mind. How, exactly, would we ever find the spy ring, let alone join it? Surely Ingrid and Waric had some idea of who it was in their heads, but they could be wrong. If we approached the wrong people, it could be the death of us; and the king and queen.

Scratching my head, I resorted to observing my surroundings to clear my thoughts. The walls were made of the simplest type of gray brick; no paintings or windows were on them. Obviously we were in the servants hallways, else we would attract some attention to ourselves that may not be needed. At this beginning stage of the mission, we didn't need nobles hording around us asking of our business.

The sounds of voices filled my ears. Just ahead of us was an opening covered by a red and gold tapestry, so to hide the hall. Through small cracks where the tapestry didn't completely cover the doorway I could see a large crowd of people bustling about. One stood out to me; the lady I had seen before.

She stood with her hands on her hips, talking to someone I couldn't see. Her face was partially covered by stray bits of her golden ringlets. Stopping dead in my tracks, I became determined to walk through the tapestry and wrap her in my arms.

As I took a step forward a tough grip grabbed my shoulder and tugged me aside. Breaking me from my trance, I came face to face with one of the guards who had been following our group through the halls. His breath smelled of garlic, causing my to flinch in his grasp. "Keep moving," he muttered, shoving me back towards the group.

I jogged quietly back up the group, who had covered considerable ground during my absence from my mind. The only one who had noticed my absence was Jasmine. Her gaze caught me off guard. Had she been worried about me, or frightened? I faked a smile and returned to my spot just ahead of her.

Not that Jasmine should care if I fell in love. After all, she was only a pretend lover. The comfort and security I had offered her was only to put an act on for the driver. It was only to get ready for the role I would soon have to play. Besides, she herself would find someone to love, and it definately wouldn't be me. She was too good for a person like me. Or at least, that's what I thought.

The walls remained bare and bleak as we continued to walk through another hall. Nothing was interesting in this place, causing me to grow bored quickly. I had resorted to cracking my knuckles, an old habit, and singing songs my mother had taught me in my head.

We soon reached the end of the hall. Looking through the doorway that met us, I was astonished to see the walls were made of carved stone; pictures of glorious animals and people the result of the handy work. As we entered the hall, I looked up. The ceiling was vaulted; made of only the purest golden marble one would find, carved to make floral like patterns. Everything about this hall was different from the last. This hall, at least, I could bare to live in.

"Here are your rooms," Waric said, pointing to two marble doors, each spaced evenly apart. "Lady Ingrid and I would appreciate your audience in our office before dinner; just off the servant's hall past the throne room."

"Dinner will be when the sun is just below the hills, as is daily tradition. Come to us when the sky begins to grow a darker shade," Ingrid added, tucking her arm around an extended one of Waric's.

With a smile, the pair turned and turned their backs to us, picking up their brisk pace once more. Only two of the five guards stayed with us, each one standing by a door. Opening my mouth to ask which was mine, the larger guard pointed at the furthest door.

Jasmine's hand brushed my shoulder as I walked towards my door. Turning only for a second to look at her, I raised my eyebrows and opened the door to my room, walking in and closing it behind me.

A large bed was the first thing I noticed in the room. Four golden posts rose high above it, a soft red trip of fabric hanging loosely from pole to pole. The bed was covered in many pillows, each either red or gold in color, matching the blankets. The walls were a darker shade of red with small golden lines painted on them; the ceiling matching the one that the hall outside had adorned.

Numerous other pieces of furniture lined the walls, including a large painting of a Snow Lynx and her kit's. Smiling, I turned to the wall opposite of the painting and noticed another marble door. Hoping desperately that it did not lead to Jasmine's room, I opened it. Surprise rushed through me.

The room was filled with full bookcases and a desk covered in empty scrolls. It adorned a small window on the southern wall, unlike the main room which had a larger window. The color and decor matched that of the other room. Sitting at the chair that rested by the desk, I read the titles of some of the books. Almost all of them were about poisons, animals, and fight tactics. Whoever had designed this room knew me well.

Content with my search, I stood up and put my hand in my pocket, retrieving the small piece of rolled paper I had hidden in there. Dropping it on the desk, I walked to the door and closed it. There was a small lock on the door, meaning I needed a key. Surely I would be given it, after all, this room could very well be permanent.

I opened the door to my suite, slightly scaring the guard. "Do you by chance have the keys to this room?" I asked quietly. His cheeks flushed red as he nodded, digging in a pouch that hung from his waist. Taking the keys from his hands, I turned to head back into my room.

"Wait!" Looking back into the hallway, I spotted a man pulling a small cart that had my bags on top of them. Beckoning to him, I grabbed my bags quickly and returned to my room.

Dropping them on the floor, I pulled out a few more small pieces of paper and two daggers that I had brought with me. I placed both in my study in my desk, using my newly acquired keys to lock the door. If someone were to come snooping in my room, I definately wouldn't want them finding those.

Sighing, I looked through the window into the distance. The sun was still high in the sky, giving me enough time to full unpack and bathe. Picking my bags back up, I walked to my bed, dropping them by my feet.

A small tiger lily was resting neatly on the sheets to my bed. Smiling, I picked it up and put it on one of the tables beside my bed. Had it been one of the maids, or did that woman know I was here?

*I twisted your arm a little there, didn't I? Had to. The plot and characters demanded it*

Jasmine took her bags and put them on the bed. She unpacked her clothes before exploring the room. Ingrid and Waric certainly had outdone themselves with outfitting them. Jasmine found her library to be stocked full of places to hang her weapons, and books she could use. She hadn't occupided this room in perticular before, but it had the floorplan of others she had.

Quietly she stuck her head into the hall. "Sir, you wouldn't happen to have the keys to my room, would you?"

The guard jumped. "Y-yes m'Lady," he fumbled getting them unhooked from his belt.

She took them and smiled. "Thank you."

As soon as she closed the door she locked it soundlessly. Having traveled in the coach she didn't need to bathe or change. She sat down on the bed, feeling her sapphire grow warm as soon as she sat down. Jasmine stood up with a jolt a found the panel contecting the two rooms. She knocked hesitently, knowing Kaidrec would not be happy at this discovery. She leaned against the wall, waiting for him to open the door.

"I know what you're thinking about this," she said once the door was open. "But this door is needed just in case one of us needs help."

His hard gaze didn't soften. "What do you want then?"

She leaned her head against the wall. "One, these doors lock. I promise I will not enter unless you need help. Two," she pointed to the tiger lily still in his hands. "Be weary of gifts by other spies."

Jasmine read the questions in his eyes, even though Kaidrec's jaw remained shut. She met his eyes and held his gaze. "We're Kingdom bloods, or so they think. Almost every person we meet will be a spy-- Kaidrec, look at me!"

His attention was drawn back to the lily. Jasmine put her hand on is shoulder and lightly shook him. "I was trained by the top spies of both kingdoms. My mother was one, and she's still training more spies. Her specialty was seduction."

He pushed her hand off. "I won't do anything to jepordize this mission. You can stop questioning me."

She controlled her breathing. He was entranced again, and now he wouldn't let her touch him. "I wasn't questioning you, I was warning you. Please, listen to me when I say be careful."

Kaidrec looked at her again. She felt some of the spell give way, but it was only for a moment. "I'm always careful." With that he closed the door. Jasmine signed when she heard it lock. She had promised not to enter his room unless he needed help. And, he would never forgive her if she forcibly broke the trance again. There had to be another way to break it, there just had to.

Jasmine shook her head and went into her library. With so many books it took her an hour just to find all the ones on antidotes. Once that was done, she realized her time to relax was up. Jasmine went through and laid out an outfit to wear to dinner, then an outfit to wear for work she'd do that night. Her knives got polished, and she made sure her climbing claws were in good condition. Knowing Kaidrec the way she did, she knew he wouldn't risk anything unless there was solid proof of it's existence. A visit to some of her old contacts that night would help. And would dig up any information on this mystery women.

Their meeting with Ingrid and Waric would help too. Jasmine hadn't had personal contact with any of her spies here in years, they had. They could let her know who to talk to, both at dinner and tonight.

She looked in the mirror before going out the door. The sky was just beginning to turn pink in the west. Her dress was emerald velvet, with knives hidden in the wrists. The neckline was open to her shoulders, but not low-cut. Unlike some spies, she didn't spend the night with men she was investigating.

Jasmine opened her door and heard shrill laughter. She looked a little down the hall and saw Kaidrec holding that blonde, blue-eyed woman in his arms.

I sighed as I looked at myself in the mirror. The boy with scraggly black hair that reached to his chin, hardly taller than a short warrior, always clothied in tattered clothing was gone. Now I wore a suit, completely black with a silver tunic behind it. The contacts Jasmine had gave me turned my eye's emerald green. John, what a suiting name for my new self.

Tucking my hands into my pockets, I wandered out of the room and locked the door.

"I've been looking for you," Opening my eye's widely, I turned to find the woman that I had fallen deeply into trance with. She was draped in a midnight blue gown, her golden ringlets tied behind her head. Her blue eyes danced in the firelight of the torches that lined the walls. "Keeana."

Smiling, I took the hand she extended to me and kissed the tips of her fingers. "Ka -- John."

"John, what a handsome name." Keeana said as she slid her hand down my neck and to my chest, moving herself closer to me. Reaching out with my arms, I pulled her into me.

"What is that fragrance?" I asked, putting my nose to her neck. Keeana giggled, pulling my chin upwards, puttign my face level with hers.

"A secret mixture, my mother is elderly and makes precious perfumes from rare flowers found in the forest on her spare time," She replied, moving her face closer to mine. Intense passion ran through my veins as her lips approached mine.

"John!" Suddenly knocked out of my trance, I looked towards the doors of my room ad found Jasmine pretending to fiddle with one of her earrings. "We're going to be late!"

Looking down at Keeana, her eyes gave away her confusion. "Rose, this is Keeana. Rose is my acquaintance." I looked at Jasmine, glaring at her. She would not interrupt my personal affairs, I wouldn't let her.

Jasmine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear to buy some time. Kaidrec was deeper intranced then she had first thought. Rachel had gotten better at her potions, and they now turned a man's nature, not just his heart. Jasmine didn't know if an antidote even exisited for this new potion. It didn't matter, she would get one.

She walked over to them, ignoring Kaidrec's possecive hold on Keeana. "John, we were supposed to meet my Aunt Ingrid and Uncle Waric before dinner, remember?"

"Of course," he said quietly. "But they are your aunt and uncle. Perhaps it would be better if I let you talk to them alone." Jasmine read what he didn't say, he would leave her alone, and she would be forced to leave him.

She raised her chin, meeting his eyes. "Very well. I will see you at dinner." Jasmine smiled slightly, her eyes drilling into him that he had better be at dinner.

Keeana rested her head against Kaidrec's chest. "Yes, we'll be there." At the sound of her voice Kaidrec looked down and stroked Keeana's hair. Jasmine hid her sneer. As long as Keeana was around, Kaidrec would be useless on this mission. Instead she turned on her heel and went down the hallway to Ingrid's rooms.

~~~

"What can you tell me about Rachel," Jasmine muttered as she paced the main room of Ingrid and Waric's suite. "Rachel the Tigress"

Waric looked at her from his chair by the hearth. "How did you know her spy name?"

Jasmine stopped and put her hands on her hips. "That is not important. Just tell me who she is, what she's doing-- and who her children are."

Ingrid put her teacup down on a nearby table. "Her children? There's Keeana for one. And Roger, her second-oldest. He's just about your age, actually. Maybe a year younger."

Another year-long mission, I see, Jasmine thought with a hint of rage. She dismissed the mood. Roger would be interesting to talk to this evening. "Go on."

"And then Leane, her daughter who's fourteen," Waric rubbed his head. "Those are all the children you'll see at dinner. The rest are too young to be at Court."

Jasmine continued to pace. Year long missions had been common for her mother. Now they made sense. "What has she been doing the past six years?"

Ingrid took her tea again. "Nothing, actually. She spends most of her time in her suite. The rest of the time she's picking wildflowers."

"I thought you were better then that!" Jasmine snapped. "Nobody has been watching her? Nobody has noticed anything strange about the way people behave around that family?"

Waric stood up and gripped her shoulders. "Stop that Jasmine! Since her husband died two years ago she hasn't done a thing! They were married a long time, almost twenty years."

Jasmine put her chin to her chest. "What was her husband's name?"

"Treav, I believe," Ingrid said quietly.

She felt her blood boil. Treav had not been her father's name. "I want plans to her room, Keeana's room and Roger's room by tomorrow afternoon. No excuses." Rachel had been in several spy rings while Jasmine had still been in Fenrai. If her mother didn't lead her to this new one, nobody would. She took a searing-hot breath. "And I want you to contact all people who you know will not betray the Kingdom by tonight, saying to watch all four of them."

Waric let go of her shoulders and crossed his arms. "Why would we do that? There is no reason other then the Fox's suspision they are up to no good. I'm telling you, Rachel hasn't done anything for years!"

Jasmine swallowed a lump in her throat. "Keeana, she's got the favours of most men in court, correct?"

Ingrid shook her head. "No, just a handful."

"They are people you contact, correct? Stop trusting them," Jasmine was surprised by her own sharp tone. "I've already lost one partner to her, I won't loose my life because somebody is under her spell. I tried to break the trance Kaidrec was in, but he's changed by the potion in Keeana's perfume."

Waric's jaw dropped. "How-- how did you know they were contacts?"

Jasmine touched the gem at her throat, now green to match her dress. "This lets me know when magic and trechery is about. It goes red-hot when Keeana is around."

Ingrid stood up. "Your requests will be carried out. We were supposed to instruct you on the politics in Fenrai, but you have instructed us."

Jasmine smiled bitterly. "Reason they sent me."

With that, they headed to dinner.

My arms wrapped firmly around Keeana's stomach, pulling her closer to me than before. Putting my forehead on hers, I kissed her nose before looking up and glancing through one of the small windows that lined the wall across form us.

Opening my eyes wide, I stared as the sun slowly sank behind the hill. The sky around it was dark orange in color, meaning that the meeting was over and dinner was soon to begin. The mess hall, as they called it in Fernai, was all the way through the main hall and further past the throne room. If I wanted to make it in time, I'd need to move quickly.

"John, what has caught your attention?" Keeana asked, grabbing my chin and pulling my head closer to hers.

"Sorry, my dear. Dinner is soon, we must head to the hall," Grabbing her hand, I began to move towards the main hall. Stunned, I was pulled back. She hadn't moved with me. About to question her, she smiled and let go of my hand.

"My clothes," she said, blushing. "I need to change. Dinner here at the castle is always a formal event, since we always have feasts, and I am wearing commoners clothing. I must change." She smiled.

Trying to protest, I found myself unable to. Instead I smiled, moving closer to her and kissing her on the forehead before a mysterious feeling carried me down the hall towards the dining area.

--

The mess hall was decorated with metallic colors, tapestries hung between every marble pillar. One would assume, when hearing "mess hall", that the place would be a catastrophe. At least, that's how it would be in Kingdom. A sudden feeling of homesickness slammed against me. The bird's, the castle dogs, everything.

As if thoughts of my former life weren't permitted, my mind soon became centred solely on Keeana. The grace in her walk, the innocence in her talk. At my young age, it was almost impossible to find true love, let alone a true love from the opposite country you live in.

Standing on the tips of my toes to counter the higher height of the men blabbering in front of me, I searched the room for Jasmine. Ignoring the curious gazes that were cast my way, I strained to find her head in the crowd. What I did find, though, horrified me.

Sitting in matching emerald silk garments, sipping wine and schmoozing with a golden robed man, sat my parents. They very parents who had abandoned me. Anger swelled inside me, causing me to forget that I stood out in the open on the tips of my toes, like a circus nut. Something pulled on my sleeve, but I ignored it. All I wanted to do was to kill the two heartless souls who sat before me.

A curious glance from my mother caught me off guard. Her eyes portrayed that she was curious as to why I was looking at her, and intrigued for the same reason. Coughing, I slid back down onto the soles of my feet and continued the search for Jasmine.

Finding her at a nearby table, I quickly moved through the crowd to reserve both seats right beside her. Keeana would be coming, after all. She would need a spot.

Question glares silenced me before I could even say hello. Obviously perturbed, Ingrid and Waric switched their attention to the array of servants that began to pour into the room, each carrying a large silver platter.

"How was your date?" Jasmine asked, coughing quietly and fixing her gown.

"Great, thank you. And yours?" I hissed, glaring at her. Jasmine turned her head away, following the lead of Ingrid and Waric as they rose to grab dinner plates. I followed suit also, suddenly realizing I was starving.

*okay, I want you to have some say in the dinner too, so I left it here. Just to fill you in; Keeana only pretended that she needed to change, but instead sneaks into Kaidrec's room to gain info on him and Jasmine. She never shows to dinner.*

*Thank you!*

Jasmine looked over the sea of people as she ate. The driver was there, hidden but observant. Ingrid and Waric had pointed out a handful of people, some contacts, others targets.

She spotted her mother and half-siblings across the hall. They were talking to the same people that had caught Kaidrec's attention. Jasmine took one glance at their black hair and pale crystal eyes and knew they were his parents. She wanted to say something, to let him know they would be taken down, but his attention was on Keeana; he kept glancing at the door, trying to see when she would arrive.

Jasmine pushed down her feelings and looked over her half-siblings. Only Keeana was missing from the list Ingrid had given her. Roger was there, elegantly dressed in blue and emerald. His dark blonde hair matched Rachel's, as did his eyes. Leane was similarly dressed, but her eyes were a much lighter blue. Rachel was also there, her normally blonde hair now streaked with white. But Jasmine wasn't fooled. Her mother's eyes still had the glint they had had six years ago, when she had watched her sons get killed.

The meal over, Jasmine watched Roger get up from his seat. She caught his eye and quickly turned her head away, folding her hands in her lap. Kaidrec had already gotten up and was standing by the door, Ingrid and Waric were speaking to the man in gold. Roger took the bait and walked over.

"I don't believe I have seen you before," he said, taking her hand. "I'm Lord Roger."

Jasmine smiled slightly. "I have heard of you. My aunt Ingrid has told me of your deeds. My, acquaintance, and I arrived this morning."

He pulled her to her feet. "A girl such as yourself must have a name to fit your high stature."

She closed her eyes and blushed, turning her head slightly. "I'm sorry, My name's Rose."

"Rose, would you care to dance?" he pulled her into his arms, not giving her a choice.

"Certainly, but, only one. Travel is very tiring," she lied. Her night was only just beginning.

He nodded and pulled her onto the dance floor. Jasmine smiled; if he was a spy, he was cocky-- or not used to people like her. He hadn't picked up on any of her lies.

"Will you be here tomorrow, at dinner?" Roger asked when the long dance had ended.

She nodded. "My aunt asked for me to stay with her for awhile."

He kissed her fingers. "Would you, then, be willing to dine with my family? I hope your aunt will not mind me borrowing such a fine lady for an evening."

Jasmine closed her eyes to keep them from rolling. "I-- I would be fine with that. Please, ask my aunt Ingrid before retiring. I must rest, for now."

He nodded and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Rose."

She smiled and extracted herself from his arms, casting him a glance over her shoulder as she walked to the door. Kaidrec had left already. She guessed he had gone back to his rooms, since she couldn't sense him. She waited until she was alone to wipe off Roger's kiss. At least that part of the mission was secure. He didn't believe a thing.

~~

Back in her room, Jasmine sensed Kaidrec in his. That settled, she walked to her attached room. Before reaching for the doorknob, she froze. Their were faint smudges on the once polished brass handle, ones that hadn't been there before. Quickly she checked if it was still locked. It was, but Jasmine couldn't shake the feeling this was the one place the intruder had been careful.

Looking around her room, she saw a handful of other things out of place. She hadn't taken a ruby necklace out of her packs yet, but it was now on her table. She saw the door to her wardrobe wasn't quite closed; they had been firmly shut before. Carefully Jasmine sniffed the air. The faint scent of tiger lilies was still detectable. She growled and checked the secret panel to Kaidrec's room. Not wanting to disturb him, she used her magic to check if the door was still locked.

It wasn't.

Jasmine backed away and went into her spy-room. Here, nothing had been touched. But this was the one place where everything was in the open. The scent of tiger lilies was more potent here, a sure sign Keeana had been inside.

Quickly Jasmine put on her black pants and tunic, making sure she had knives in every hidden pocket. Her boots went on next, then her climbing claws. Her belt was last, with two daggers stuck into it and a small pouch filled with smoke bombs. She opened the window in her room and climbed out, making sure to close it behind her. Jasmine crept along the ledge below her window until she was out of sight of the guards. She swung her legs over and found a toe-hold, quickly making her way down the wall. She jumped down the last few feet and rolled into the shadows.

Her night had now begun.

*A note of mine: that dance was l-o-n-g. Feel free to have Kaidrec do a bunch of stuff at dinner if you want. You don't have to though*

Sitting back down in front of a full plate of food, I continuously eyed the entrance to the dining hall as I slowly ate my dinner. The hot meal was nice for a change, instead of the bread and water that had become custom on our journey.

The five and a half days it took us to get here had been torture. Many a times the rain had plagued us, thunder had shook us, and lightening had blasted down the trees onto our path. I was surprised I wasn't already fast asleep in my quarters, but my need for food far outweighed my need for sleep at the moment.

Looking around the table, Jasmine, Ingrid and Waric ate their food in peace, choosing not to mention the fact I had red lipstick on my lower lip. Only when I rubbed my mouth with a small cloth that had been provided did I notice, resisting a glare at the people around me.

Worried for Keeana's welfare, I hurriedly deposited my empty dish in the arms of a nearby servant and rushed to the doorway. I had seen earlier that people had been stuck outside, the dining hall could only hold so many. Maybe she was with them.

A small smile coursed my lips as I neared the doorway, catching a small glimpse of golden curls. She had been waiting out there; if only she hadn't needed to change. I swung one of the doors open wide, startling the two guards who stood post beside them.

Lowering my gaze in both disappointment and embarrassment, I looked away from the obese woman with golden locks that I had confused as Keeana. Apologizing to the glaring guards, I backed away, stopping only when I ran into someone, causing the both of us to fall to the floor.

Smelling tiger lily perfume, I turned quickly in hope that Keeana had finally arrived, instead I found my mother. Opening my eyes widely, I felt my blood rush to my cheeks. Quickly searching for a diversion, I tilted my head downwards and scratched my head.

"Sorry," I said, making my voice sound as innocent as possible. She grabbed my chin, pulling my gaze upwards.

"You look familiar," She said quietly, turning my head from left to right, then moving it up and down. "Who are you?"

"Sir John Prough." I said, sounding proud. My mother smiled; luckily she believed me, and didn't see through my rouse.

"Errina Coldburn," she extended a hand to me. Taking it in my mine, I kissed her fingers. "My husband was curious as to your presence here, would you like to come dine with us in waiting for desert?"

Fear flooded my mind. What if he recognized me? Surely a man with my father's talents would know a spy any time he saw one, let alone his own son. Watching the smile slowly fade from Errina's face, I smiled and nodded.

"Excellent." Taking my arm around hers, she led me back to her table and introduced me.

Looking around the table as I took my seat, I noticed a small girl about four years younger than I with the same golden curls as Keeana. Suddenly remembering the reason I had been by the door, I turned my head to study the door. Still no Keeana.

"Leane," Returning my attention to the table I now sat at, the young girl was extending her hand. Smiling, I remembered that only when a girl had reached maturity did you kiss her hand. Leane seemed to still have a year or more to go.

Suddenly failing to stifle a yawn, my cheeks grew redder. The conversation at the table stopped, every single gaze wanting an explanation. I laughed quietly.

"I only just arrived here from southern Fenrai earlier this afternoon," I explained, forcing out another yawn. This was my chance to escape. "Certainly we can dine with each other at tomorrow's dinner? I must retire and gather my rest, I have a full day ahead of me."

Faking a smile to match those of the people who surrounded me, I cursed myself in my mind for offering to sit with them at dinner the following day. Getting up and bidding them all farewell, I walked towards the large doors to the dining hall.

--

After a long walk back to my room, my mind was clogged with thoughts about why Keeana hadn't showed up at dinner. Praying that she wasn't hurt, I removed the keys to my room fromy my pocket and unlocked the door.

Too tired to notice it was already unlocked, I was bombarded with the strong smell of tiger lilies as I entered my room. Closing the door, I smiled. The tiger lily Keeana had left me must have had a strong scent.

Flopping down on my bed, I let fatigue grip me and pull me into an unconscious state.

Jasmine shook away the sleep-fog in her mind. The watch had just called three hours after midnight; she had an hour and a half if she wanted to slip back in her room while it was still dark. At least she only had one contact left to go.

She climbed the masonry of the nobles' stable, wincing at how exposed she felt. Thorny vines covered most of the building, and the light gray of the brick stood out in the fain moonlight. Jasmine stayed as close as she dared to the vines, hopping the guards would be too sleepy to notice a slim, moving shadow next to blackness.

Hooking her fingers over a dangerously thin sill, she peered into the room. A single candle burned low, but it was on the dresser, not the night table. Jasmine smiled and tapped her fingers against the glass. The figure in bed got up and quickly opened the window, letting her climb inside.

"Fox, you shouldn't be here. Not so close to dawn!" the driver hissed.

She moved away from the window. "I had to talk to you, Chris. I noticed you played your part."

He blew out the candle so they wouldn't be seen. "I've been a Chemelion for twenty years. If I didn't play my part, I wouldn't be worth my keep!" she heard him move to the bed. "What do you want? It has to be important, for you to risk this."

"Don't worry, it is. I wouldn't come to the man who saved me for a trivial favour," She stretched her stiff shoulders. "I need you to watch Keeana and Rachel. Ingrid and Waric have their contacts on those two already, but--"

"But you don't know if they've been entranced too, like that tramp did to Kaidrec," when she didn't protest he continued. "It'll be hard, with no antidote. Or do you have something to counter that?

Jasmine shook her head. "For once, I'm stumped. If you think it's too risky, don't watch them until I've found something. It shouldn't take me long-- I know tiger lilies are part of it. Once I find the rest of the ingredeants for the symptoms, I should know how to counter it."

Chris got up and gripped her shoulders. "Jasmine, you're treading on mousetraps around these people. All the women wear tiger lily perfume. One misstep, and you're trapped! You can't count on your partner this time."

"I know.," she said quietly. "Hopefully I'll have found something before this trap springs. But Jerr equipped me well. I should be fine."

He hugged her. "I'll keep watching, and pray you're right."

Jasmine returned the hug, making sure her climbing claws didn't scratch him. "Thank you."

She saw him smile in the dark. "You're welcome. Now shoo, it's almost dawn."

~~~

She got back to her room just as threads of gray began claiming the sky. Jasmine took off her now sweat-soaked clothes and put them in the corner. She'd wash them herself-- so she wouldn't have extra eyes watching her. Her weapons found their way back to their places clean and dry, and her claws managed to get their leather rubbed down so it wouldn't get stiff.

Exhaused, Jasmine changed into her nightgown and climbed into bed. Sleep found her as soon as she closed her eyes.

A loud knock on my door rose me from my slumber, bringing with it the throbbing pain of a newly acquired headache. Rubbing my temple, I staggered out of bed, fighting to hold back a wave of nausea that accompanied the sudden movement.

The knock sounded again, this time louder. Cringing, I collapsed onto my bed. "Come in," I said, hopefully loud enough for my guest to hear. The door swung open, revealing Waric, dressed in black robes.

"I came to assure that you would be in attendance of the meeting we have this morning," he said with a smile. "It is very important that you come. After all, you were sent on this mission to spy, not sleep with a stranger."

Waric's comment caught me off guard. I had only been here for a day, and already I was willing to bed a lady. Not that I had, yet. "Nothing has happened." I hissed, sliding off my bed and hobbling towards my closet.

"And let us hope it stays that way. You're endangering the mission, Kai-"

"I am not endangering anything, I'm perfectly well and fine to do my job here." I replied, grabbing a pair of black breeches and a tan tunic. "By the time we finish this mission the border will be closed. This is our new home, Waric, and I'd like to make it a happy one."

Waric grunted and crossed his arms. Scanning my room with his eyes, his gaze lingered on the lily that still rested on the small table by my bed. Switching his gaze to me, he cocked his head to the left as my body swayed, threatened by nausea.

"Is the meeting here?" Jasmine asked sarcastically as she walked into my room, wearing a dark blue gown. I grabbed the door of my closet to steady myself as a wave of dizziness struck me again.

"No, it will be in the usual place. Kaidrec here, sick as he may be, was just getting changed. Let us wait outside," Waric grumbled, perturbed. Opening one of my eyes, I watched as the pair walked out of my room and slammed the door.

Dragging the articles of clothing I had chosen along the floor to my bed, I wondered exactly what had made me this sick. The last time I had been plagued in such a way was when I was only five years of age, after eating the petal of some purple flower I had found in the castle's garden. Memories of my childhood erased all other thoughts in my head as I slowly undressed and put my breeches and tunic on.

My parents had always been busy. The large suite that the king and queen had given us barely seemed large enough for a child like myself -- after all, I was banned from the outdoors. My mother and father had been terrified of me being alone outdoors, and since they didn't trust anyone in the castle, I was confined to our suite; barred windows and all. Not once did I ever meet a soul that cared about me, until somehow one of the castle cats managed to get into our suite.

He hid in my small corner room whenever my parents were around, but when they weren't, our conversations were endless and our fun unrestricted. Until mother and father found him.

Shaking my head to rid myself of the memories, I set my mind to ignoring my nausea and walked out of my room, forgetting to lock the door behind me. Waric and Jasmine stood with their backs to the door, only turning when I walked out.

--

After what seemed an eternity of walking, we finally entered Ingrid and Waric's colorless office. The walls were lined with nothing but books and scrolls; even the one large window was partially blocked by stacks of papers. Squinting at the sunlight that had managed to sneak by the piles of mess, I looked around for a seat.

Finding one, I flopped down onto it, almost missing. Holding onto the arms of the chair, I got comfortable inside of it, causing another wave of nausea. Putting my hand over my mouth, I leaned my head backwards, ignoring the questioning glare from Ingrid.

She shuffled out of the room, her gown knocking over a large pile of free papers. Waric laughed, following her trail and picked them all up, quickly reading them over before re-stacking them. After the pile was to his satisfaction, he walked to the large desk that occupied the middle of the room and removed a large scroll from one of the drawers on it.

Jasmine huddled over the desk with Waric, frequently looking at me with a slightly worried expression. Dark rings lined the bottom of her eyes -- she obviously either hadn't slept or hadn't had enough. Righting myself up in the chair, my stomach churned with the feeling of butterflies as I studied Jasmine's eyes. Inside my mind, Keeana's touch suddenly seemed improper, her kiss nothing but trickery. Shaking my head, I told myself that it wasn't true. Keeana would never do something like that. I loved her, as she did me.

Ingrid soon returned to the room, a small flask in her hand. She hurried towards me, narrowly missing another stack of papers, and placed the silver flask firmly in my hand. "Drink." She ordered, placing her hands on her hips. She seemed angry, as if I had done something to upset her; or someone had done something to me to upset her.

Opening the flask and dumping the contents in my mouth, I gagged but forced myself to swallow. I hated being sick, and obviously this would make me better. Or so I hoped.

In an instant my headache disappeared and my stomach settled, allowing me to stand up without the threat of losing what little contents I had left in my body from dinner. Suddenly hungry, I looked at Ingrid, who stood a full three inches shorter than myself.

"Our servants are fetching plates from the kitchen. We only feast at dinner, as declared by the king of Fenrai. Every other meal is up to us," She said, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the large ebony desk. "The kitchen is on the other side of the castle, giving us time to begin. Sit closer Kaidrec."

Lowering my head in apology, I moved from the seat I had taken by the end of the desk to one directly beside Jasmine.

"For the last few months we have been searching desperately for the recruiter of the spy ring," Waric began, unrolling the scroll he had pulled from the desk. On it were hundreds of names printed in ink, all but one crossed off. "Tergen Rewant." Waric pointed at the one that wasn't crossed off.

"All of our contacts and sources had reason to believe, as well as us, that Tergen is the man to talk to when it comes to joining the spy ring. Anyone who sees you knows that you are from Kingdom, if only because of the contacts and this," Ingrid said, handing us both two large flasks. "Place it on your skin and it will lighten it. Be wary: it runs when touched by water. If it is raining, make sure to wear hooded cloaks and cover up every inch of your skin that could be touched by the rain. Fenrai does carry a hotter climate than Kingdom, but not to worry. The lotion will provide a natural tan when introduced to the sun, the way skin would."

"We are not completely positive that Tergen is our man, but at this moment he is our only lead. You must be aware that you are discreet when hinting that you have information; if you dive too deep, you will deem our mission a failure and will be forced to quickly flee Fenrai to Kingdom, where you will have to face the king and queen." Waric said, rubbing his chin. "Tonight at dinner, Kaidrec, you will approach Tergen and drop the hint that you and Jasmine have information. Make a meeting, but remember, you will be alone at the meeting. You are both high class enough to not need backup."

Stunned, I shook my head. "Why me?"

Ingrid smiled. "Tergen shows no interest in females. After a few bad run ins, he refuses to do any business unless forced. And since using force would jeopardize the mission, Fox here cannot be the one to talk with him. Leaving you."

I looked at Jasmine. She was just as surprised as I was. I couldn't blame her if she doubted my abilities to perform this task, I myself doubted them.

*I'll leave the rest of the meeting to you *

*Like I said. You have having waaaay too much fun with this.*

Jasmine rubbed sleep from her eyes. Three hours had been nowhere near enough. And, she had told Roger she'd be at dinner. At least the antidote Ingrid had giving Kaidrec seemed to be working. That checked off another ingredient: Blueflower.

"I have Roger to deal with anyway," she said wearily. "And, I doubt I'd be able to drop subtle hints."

"How will you even manage Roger then?" Kaidrec asked, clearly more confused then before.

She smiled, half at his question, half that he was back to normal, or very close. "A nap this afternoon. And don't worry. I'll sleep tonight."

Waric sighed. "I keep telling you, Fox, you don't need to talk to everybody in one night."

Jasmine shook her head. "And I keep telling you, if you don't know whom to watch for, you'll trip up ten times sooner," she held up her hand to silence Kaidrec. "All spy missions don't go as planed. But depending on the skills of those involved, things will go awry at different times."

Ingrid raised an eyebrow. "I suppose we've forgotten the rules of field work. We hardly ever leave this castle."

"And look at what it's left us to work with," Kaidrec muttered. Jasmine glanced at him. She'd have to look up what flower caused cynicism when mixed with blueflower and tiger lilies. If nothing else was needed, then she'd be able to make an antidote and a preventive measure.

She rubbed her temples. "What if Tergen is a code name? Or two people? What if he has his own ring of spies? The king of Fenrai likes to have backups. And I'd like to know what ruled out the rest of these people, and what put them on the list." Jasmine scanned the list as Ingrid read the reasons from a large book. Something just didn't add up. Why didn't Tergen like women? How could somebody get on this list for the same reason they got off?

She put her hand on the paper. "Stop. Stop right now. Let me see everything." When Ingrid hesitated Jasmine added, "Now." Waric moved his chair to let her have a better view. Slowly she went over the list.

"This list is always under either mine or Waric's care," Ingrid said slowly. "I don't see what you're looking for."

Jasmine finished looking over the list anyway. "What about the book?" she muttered, going over the pages.

Waric shook his head. "It's always in here, and the doors are always locked unless one of us is inside."

She glanced at them in disbelief before turning her attention back to the page. "Polish the handles for one week, and keep track of smudging. That way you can be..." her voice trailed off as she reached one passage. "Just as I thought. Look." She showed them the passage, getting blank stares from Ingrid and Waric, a puzzled frown from Kaidrec.

After a few more moments, Ingrid shrugged. "What's wrong with it?" Waric nodded in agreement.

Jasmine kept her jaw from dropping. She had to hide it. She glanced at Kaidrec and knew he understood as well. "Nothing," she said pleasantly. "I guess I was mistaken." She snapped the book shut as servants entered the room.

~~~

After breakfast, she and Kaidrec were walking back to their rooms. Ingrid and Waric were still going over a few loose ends.

Jasmine rubbed the gem at her throat. "We're alone."

"Can't you sense that normally?" Kaidrec whispered.

She kept her fingers on the sapphire. "I like to double-check. You saw what I saw, didn't you?"

He nodded. "It's a forgery. How could they not see that?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. But, we'll have to watch all of them now. I'll teach you how to watch people before dinner, after my rest."

Kaidrec nodded and they continued to walk down the hall. Jasmine kept the emotion off her face. It took almost all of her willpower not to go off and kill her mother right this minute. It was the tiger lily perfume that was everywhere in court. Her magic made her immune to it, but almost everybody else had been caught by it's mind-fogging spell.

It looks like I'll be missing some sleep tonight after all.